Prince Harry represents The Queen at Nelson Mandela memorial service

Prince Harry attended the service of thanksgiving to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life at Westminster Abbey on Monday morning,

The fourth-in-line, representing his grandmother, The Queen, joined around 2,000 people at the abbey to honour the late South African president.

On arrival, the prince was greeted by Dean John Hall, before being led to his seat. Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband also all attended to mark the life of the iconic leader.

They were joined by an array of figures including former Prime Ministers John Major and Gordon Brown, Joanna Lumley and Idris Elba, who played Nelson in the biopic released last year.

In December, the inspirational icon passed away after a long battle with his health. Prince Charles joined dignities and celebrities from around the world as he travelled to South Africa to represent Britain and the Royal Family.

In a statement released after his death, the Prince of Wales honoured the former leader’s dedication and “zest for life”.

“Mr Mandela was the embodiment of courage and reconciliation,” Charles said in a statement. “He was also a man of great humour and had a real zest for life. With his passing, there will be an immense void not only in his family’s lives, but also in those of all South Africans.

“The world has lost an inspired leader and a great man. My family and I are profoundly saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Her Majesty also released a statement shortly after Mandela’s death, recalling the “great warmth” of her meetings with Mr Mandela, of who called Elizabeth a “dear friend”.

“The Queen was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Mandela last night. He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today,” the statement read.

“Her Majesty remembers with great warmth her meetings with Mr Mandela and sends her sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa at this very sad time.”

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